Malachite and its toxicity!

Malachite is an extremely beautiful crystal but very toxic if ingested. Let’s dive into it!

Background information!

Malachite occurs all around the world including the Congo, Zambia, Mexico, Australia and Russia in the Urals region where the largest deposit and mine is located. Malachite was discovered over 4,000 year ago in the Sinai peninsula between Egypt and Western Asia. Miners used Malachite to produce gemstones, pigments and art sculptures. Malachite is believed to ward off evil, and humans have used this as a protection stone. Ancient Egyptians referred to the eternal paradise that they believed to be waiting for them in the afterlife as the “field of Malachite”.

The geology that makes Malachite toxic:

Malachite is a light green-dark green and black crystal that has a chemical composition of (CU2)(CO3)(OH2). Malachite is a secondary copper carbonate hydroxide and in its purest form, it contains 57.48% of cu, or copper. Malachite is formed by the surface weathering process of copper ore, and when copper minerals are altered by other chemicals. When carbonated water interacts with copper minerals, malachite will start to develop. Similarly, when limestone and a copper solution collide, Malachite can also begin to form. Since Malachite can be found in mainly all oxidized copper deposits, it’s used as a guide for copper miners to keep looking. Malachite forms in masses that have concentric banding of light and dark green. Black can also be seen within Malachite, but it should be subtle. Due to the feathering and fan formation it has, raw Malachite can have a velvety sheen to it that makes it look soft and sparkly. 

So why is it toxic? 

Malachite is toxic due to the high levels of copper within the stone. A few examples: when Malachite interacts with water, the copper can infuse the water and create a solution that is toxic to humans and animals. Another way it can be toxic is when polishing or cutting the rock. Breathing in or ingesting dust particles of Malachite can be harmful to the body, so wearing fitting protection is important. 

Metaphysical properties!

Malachite is known as the “stone of transformation” and holds very powerful protection properties. Along with this, Malachite is good for aiding in personal growth and change, easing emotional pain and providing insight into hard times. The protection aspect of Malachite is very powerful and can help with absorbing negative energy, keeping you on the right path or leading you towards it and shielding you from bad energy. Malachite is also believed to be beneficial in helping with mood swings and the pains of labor and birth.

Fun facts:

- Malachite is commonly seen growing with Azurite and Chrysocolla and more rarely, Cobalto Calcite. 

- Malachite is always green and will never fade color when left in sunlight.

- Malachite was used to create the world’s oldest green pigment.